WASHINGTON – The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and Public Lands Council (PLC) are calling on the U.S. government to take every step necessary to immediately increase security at the U.S.-Mexico border. While border security has been an issue for ranchers for years, our concerns have escalated significantly with USDA’s recent closure of live cattle crossing stations near Pharr and Laredo in south Texas. These two stations historically account for roughly 15 percent of trade in live cattle between the United States and Mexico.

‘“NCBA has long supported the need for a sustainable plan to increase border security. For more than 100 years, live cattle trade across the U.S.-Mexico border has been an integral part of the beef industry,” said Steve Foglesong, NCBA president. “It appears to us that the situation across a considerable section of the border with our trading partner to the south has deteriorated rapidly, and is now affecting our businesses and our personal safety. It’s time for the U.S. government to take immediate action before commerce and lives are put at further risk.”

The recent, tragic murder of an Arizona rancher by a suspected illegal alien further reinforces the need for immediate action.

“The historical lack security at our borders continues to pose a threat to livestock producers and their families,” said Skye Krebs, PLC president. “It’s unacceptable for ranchers in our border communities to have to live in constant fear of their lives and property simply because of where they live and do business.”